AL amyloidosis

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

AL Amyloidosis

AL Amyloidosis (pronounced A-L am-uh-loi-DOH-sis), also known as Primary Amyloidosis or Light Chain Amyloidosis, is a rare disease that occurs when an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in organs and interferes with their normal function.

Etymology

The term "Amyloidosis" is derived from the Greek words "amylon" which means starch and "osis" which refers to a condition. The "AL" in AL Amyloidosis stands for "Amyloid Light chain", indicating the type of protein involved in this condition.

Definition

AL Amyloidosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins, known as Amyloid proteins, in various organs of the body. These proteins are produced by cells in the Bone Marrow and can accumulate in any tissue or organ, including the Kidney, Heart, and Liver.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AL Amyloidosis can vary widely, depending on which organs are affected. Common symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AL Amyloidosis often involves a combination of blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a tissue biopsy. The presence of Monoclonal Protein or light chains in the blood or urine can suggest AL Amyloidosis.

Treatment

Treatment for AL Amyloidosis aims to limit the production of amyloid protein and manage symptoms. This may involve chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, or supportive care to manage symptoms and organ function.

Prognosis

The prognosis for AL Amyloidosis can vary widely, depending on the organs involved and the extent of organ damage. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski